Slush, the renowned tech startup event that originated in Finland, is expanding its reach to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The new conference, called KL Slush’D 2023, will take place on October 26, 2023. This move comes as Slush aims to spread the tech revolution and ignite a powerful AI movement in the region. Malaysia’s growing startup ecosystem seeks to follow in the footsteps of its Finnish predecessor.
The theme for KL Slush’D 2023 is Shock the System, with a strong focus on the disruptive potential of AI. The event aims to bring together 1,000 influential leaders in AI, including startup founders, operators, investors, and visionaries from both local and global AI communities.
Damon Grow, co-founder of KL Slush’D, spoke about his experience in Kuala Lumpur last year, stating that Malaysians have a strong work ethic and a hunger for cutting-edge ideas. He emphasized the need for ambitious thinking at a global scale and a vibrant international ecosystem to support Malaysian startups. This is the driving force behind Slush’s decision to bring KL Slush’D to Kuala Lumpur.
The event’s organizers believe that AI can reshape industries, from healthcare to finance, and beyond. They view AI as a seismic force that challenges established norms and propels us into uncharted territories. KL Slush’D aims to showcase the transformative potential of AI and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and risk-taking in Malaysia.
Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), acknowledged the challenges of building a startup ecosystem in Malaysia but also highlighted the electrifying opportunities that AI brings. Events like KL Slush’D serve as catalysts for change, inspiring AI-native companies to emerge and fostering the growth of a talented workforce.
KL Slush’D, a non-profit initiative, has begun selling public tickets for the event and plans to expand its presence year after year. The organizers see Malaysia as a pivotal location for the Southeast Asia tech ecosystem, given the region’s potential to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.
With Malaysia experiencing significant GDP growth and becoming a top data center investment destination in Southeast Asia, the foundations of an AI-driven economy are being laid. KL Slush’D aims to nurture AI talent, encourage daring entrepreneurship, and propel the next generation of unicorns in Malaysia.
In conclusion, Slush’s expansion to Kuala Lumpur with KL Slush’D 2023 highlights Malaysia’s rising status in the tech world and aims to ignite a powerful AI revolution in the region. The event will bring together influential leaders in AI and foster a vibrant startup ecosystem in Malaysia. With Malaysia’s rapid GDP growth and growing reputation as a data center hub, KL Slush’D is well-positioned to fuel the country’s journey towards becoming an AI-native nation.
